A new oral treatment alternative for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October, 2015.
XELJANZ® (tofacitinib citrate) has been approved to treat adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, who have had an inadequate response to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling morning stiffness, fatigue and limited movement of the affected joints. It is the second-most common form of arthritis in Australia and affects approximately 400,000 people.
XELJANZ belongs to a new class of medicines known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors work inside cells by blocking the signalling of proteins called cytokines, which modulate aspects of the immune response leading to inflammation.
At a recommended dosage of 5mg twice daily, XELJANZ can be used alone or in combination with non-biological DMARDs, including methotrexate.
Associate Professor Peter Nash, Rheumatologist, said the availability of new treatments is important in the overall management of the disease.
“Although multiple treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis have been available for some time, there is a continued need for new options. Research suggests up to one-third of patients do not adequately respond or are intolerant to currently available treatments and about half stop responding to any particular DMARD within five years” Associate Professor Nash said.
“Due to the chronic nature of rheumatoid arthritis, most sufferers require treatment for several decades. As a result, it’s important they seek advice from a specialist to determine what treatment option is right for them.”
Treatment with XELJANZ should be initiated and monitored by a rheumatologist or specialist physician with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Global survey finds high disease burden for Australian rheumatoid arthritis patients
A survey of 481 Australian patients found the burden of living with the disease was high. Sponsored by Pfizer, the RA NarRAtive survey sought to identify the barriers experienced by patients in achieving optimal disease management.
The survey found that more than half (51%) of local patients with rheumatoid arthritis had stopped doing or participating in certain activities8. Some 36% of respondents had retired from work completely, switched jobs or quit as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
More than 3,600 patients with RA from 13 countries, including Australia, completed a survey to inform the RA NarRAtive. The RA NarRAtive initiative is led by a Global Advisory Panel comprised of 27 rheumatoid arthritis experts – including physician and patient group leaders. Its mandate is to identify the barriers experienced by patients in achieving optimal disease management and to suggest strategies to improve outcomes.
A major survey finding was that many Australian patients found it difficult to discuss their condition with their doctor. Some 61% of local respondents said they felt uncomfortable raising concerns with their healthcare provider, whilst almost two-out-of-five (37%) worried that they would be seen as a difficult patient if they asked too many questions about their condition.
